Abstract

English has become an indispensable global language, playing a crucial role in education, career and communication. However, at the secondary level, students in non-English speaking regions often face considerable challenges in mastering it. This study, conducted in the Bilasipara area of Dhubri District, Assam, investigates the level and nature of problems faced by class IX students in learning English. Using a descriptive survey design, data were collected from 80 students across four provincialized Assamese-medium high schools, representing both rural and urban settings. Findings reveal that 28.75% of students experience very high levels of problems, while 16.25% report very low levels. Gender-wise analysis shows no significant mean difference between male and female students, though female learners slightly report higher problem severity. Similarly, urban and rural students display no significant statistical difference, though urban students tend to face relatively more severe difficulties.